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He said: ‘It certainly seems odd, but I think this reflex demonstrates evolutionary relics in the wiring of a part of the nervous system called the autonomic nervous system.

‘This is the part beyond our control, and which controls things like our heart rate and the amount of light let in by our pupils.’

He added: ‘Sometimes the signals in this system get crossed, and I think this may be why some people sneeze when they think about sex.’

Although only two papers have been written on the unusual occurrence, Dr Bhutta believes the issue could be more widespread, however people are too embarrassed to admit having the problem.

One physiological reason for sneezing when aroused was submitted by consultant Andrew McCombe, who explained that during arousal the autonomic nervous system sends signals which trigger changes in the genitals of both sexes.

However, the nose also contains erectile tissue, which can become engorged during arousal, therefore creating the need to sneeze.

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